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What Are the Side Effects of Vitamin E?

Vitamin E has few adverse side effects when taken at RDA levels.

More Info: Vitamin E, a popular fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant, has few adverse side effects when taken at RDA (recommended dietary allowance) levels (15mg/day of the alpha-tocopherol form). High levels of vitamin E, especially when consumed regularly, are associated with increased risk of death from all causes, hemorrhaging (bleeding); and in rare cases, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, kidney malfunction, weakness, blurred vision; and in the case of topical applications, contact dermatitis, eczema and other skin reactions.

Acute Vitamin D Overdose 

Acute overdose of Vitamin E is unusual; chronic overdosing is much more common.  Adult doses up to 1500 IU appear to be safe, but the data is limited. Long-term ingestion of levels above the recommended daily allowance increases the risk of negative effects. Vitamin E deficiency is also rare, usually caused by fat malabsorption disorders and not by poor diets.

Benefits of Vitamin E 

Vitamin E is an antioxidant, helps in the formation of red blood cells, and assists in the absorption of vitamin K. Though there are many other suggested benefits, there isn't enough evidence to substantiate the claims. As an example, vitamin E has a long history of treatment for heart problems and stroke, but a recent study failed to show any benefits. Its ability to fight cancer, dementia, and liver disease is also unknown. Further research is being conducted to pinpoint the abilities of Vitamin E.